Eggsperiments don't always work!

Easter is right around the corner… yes folks – it’s that time of year when egg artists around the world (myself included) get put their glitter and glue and work feverishly to produce fancy eggs for everyone to enjoy.  For me – that not only includes putting together the IEAG (International Egg Art Guild) quarterly magazine, but working to increase my stock of saleable eggs.

I have a problem though, and it maybe one that every artist shares (comment if you agree). I get bored!  I like to design and experiment, not do the same thing over and over.  That means I haven’t settled into one style of egg art –but play around with everything.  My show tables are definitely an eclectic mix of it all.  For that matter – so are the stores!

Lately, I experimented with a new kind of colored egg kit that I found at the local Michael’s store. It had beautiful 14K gold glazed eggs in amazing colors.  So – I thought – why not.  Bought the kit and ran home to try it.

 

Now the kit showed gorgeous eggs in solid colors of gold, green, violet, pink and blue, all with the incredible gold sheen.  I followed the directions exactly.  Did I get what was advertised?  Take a look……LOL.

 The solid color just would not apply evenly to the egg shell, so I ended up being creative and did a kind of sponge painting on them.  While pretty, not eggsactly what I anticipated.  

Does that mean I stopped… nope. I broke out the washi paper, inks and egg wraps and went to work…. After all – I have a table and store to fill.  

Anyone in the Rockford Illinois area can come see me this weekend (March 29 & 30, 2014) at the Rockford Egg Show and Sale.  Held in the Midway Village  & Museum (6799 Guilford, Rockford, IL), the show features some of the best Midwest egg artists displaying and selling their eggs, as well as suppliers selling miniatures and art supplies.  A great place to spend an afternoon, the show is open from 10am to 4pm on Saturday and Sunday.  Stop in and say hello.  

 For directions – here is the link to the museum ( http://www.midwayvillage.com/wordpress/event-registration/?ee=6 )

Tell me what you are creating special for the holiday season!

Eggs Eggs Everywhere and not a one to eat!

It's getting close to that holiday that makes every Egg Artist's heart go pitter patter.... Easter.  Now that's not to say that egg decorating is only for Easter... oh no - it's an all year round passion that includes conventions, shows, clubs and even an international guild.  That's right folks - Egg Art is EVERYWHERE!!!

What can you do with an egg?  (you ask innocently)  Anything you want - it just takes a bit of imagination.  There's the traditional egg decorations like Pysanky; incredible jeweled eggs inspired by Fabrege; carved eggs; beaded eggs; jeweled eggs; dyed eggs; painted eggs; eggs that are open with dioramas inside (like the old sugar eggs); eggs that are made into jewel boxes; you name it - you can do it to an egg.

Even Steampunk is making it's way into the egg art world.  Diane and I are having a back and forth exploration of the world of steampunk - as many of you have noticed.  This is my latest try.  I elaborated on it a bit, as Steampunk to the artists of the Guild (of which I am now 2nd Vice President and Newsletter editor!) and the rest of the world can mean 2 different things. I toned down a bit, added a little bling bling (because everyone loves some sparkly) and came up with this ornament just in time for the holiday.  (warning- obnoxious self promotion occurring now) They will soon be on my Etsy and Store Envy sites - links on this page - along with all my other springtime creations available for quick sale now in time for Easter! (phwww that's over with - on to the rest of the article!).

From Ostridge to Finch and everything in between, eggs are everywhere.  The White House receives one from every state, created by artists across the country, and holds a ceremony where they are put on display just in time for Easter.  So.. what does my house look like right about now?   You REALLY don't want to know - but I can show you the display on my desk!

So - what are you doing with your eggs for Easter.  By the way - you can make a really great custard with all the innerds after blowing out all those eggshells!

by Dani